International Football History and Statistics

On this day in football history

1939 Death of Charlie Roberts, former Manchester United and England centre half, at the age of 56. Began with Darlington and then moved to Grimsby Town being transferred to United in April 1914. He was thought to be the finest centre half of his day but made only 3 appearances for England and this has been attributed to his activities in the early days of the Player's Union. Had nearly nine years with United before moving to Oldham Athletic, and won two League Championship medals and a FA Cup winners' in that time.

1956 Huddersfield Town signed Neil Kennon, a goalkeeper from Bulawayo. Was signed by Norwich City in February 1959 and moved to Colchester United six years later. To the end of 1965-66 he had played in 347 League games.

1959 Billy Wright announced his retirement from the game on the day of the Wolverhampton Wanderers pre-season trial and consequently played in the reserves. Signed professional forms for the club in February 1941 after three years on the ground staff. After the War he became one of the games all-time greats, first at wing half and then at centre half. Played in over 500 matches for Wolves and led them to both League and Cup triumphs. Became the first international in the World to make 100 appearances for his country and retired with a total of 105. On retirement he took over as manager of the England Youth team until in March 1962 he was given the Arsenal manager's post. He was sacked from this job after four years.

1973 Brazilian great Eduardo Goncalves de Andrade, known as Tostao, announces his retirement from football due to an eye injury. He was a member of the side that won the 1970 World Cup and had already won 55 caps and scored 33 goals before his premature retirement.

1982 The World Cup semi final between France and West Germany became the first tie that used penalties to decide the winner. The match ended 3-3 and is infamous for the Harald Schumacher foul on Patrick Battiston, for which he never received a red card. West Germany won the shoot out 5-4.

1997 The match fixing case clears Bruce Grobelaar, John Fashanu, Hans Segers and businessman Heng Suan Lim.